Joe Cole was snapped up by Villa on a free transfer from West Ham United.

Cole comes with masses of experience, not least his 56 caps for England.

Along with the likes of Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick, Cole came through the highly-respected West Ham United youth set-up, often referred to as 'the academy of football.'

He went on to make over 150 appearances for the Hammers and was club captain at the age of just 21.

In 2003, he moved west to Chelsea who paid £6.6m for his services.

Under the management of Claudio Ranieri and then Jose Mourinho - during in his first spell at Stamford Bridge - Cole built up an enviable CV, listing prestigious honours including three Premier League trophies, three FA Cups and two League Cups.

He netted 39 times in 280 appearances for Chelsea.

Following seven successful years - and a host of unfortunate injuries - Cole left London for Liverpool, joining the Anfield outfit on a free transfer in 2010 and he ended up featuring 32 times.

A loan move to French Ligue 1 champions Lille soon followed where he scored nine times in 43 appearances, playing a crucial role in earning a Champions League place.

In January 2013, his career went full circle as he returned to West Ham, netting five goals in 19 starts and 18 substitute appearances.

Cole is often described as a 'technically gifted player with the creativity to unlock a defence' and he will certainly get the Villa fans on their feet.

Joe Cole's home shirt is sponsored by Chemique Adhesives/away shirt by Joedan Manufacturing.